The West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026, aimed at curbing corruption and anti-social behavior, has been implemented in the state. This law, passed in the Assembly on June 29 and approved by the Governor, grants more authority to the police and administration to combat such activities with stricter penalties.
One key feature of the Act is the provision for preventive detention of individuals deemed a threat to public safety for up to one year. While some criticize this as draconian, the ruling party assures that proper procedures will be followed before any detention takes place. An advisory board, led by a High Court judge, will assess the necessity of such detentions.
Additionally, the law allows the state government to confiscate the property of those involved in offenses and empowers the police to expel or restrict individuals from specific areas to maintain peace. Furthermore, there is a provision for “externment orders” to remove troublemakers from certain locations for up to a year, if deemed necessary by authorities.
